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"One of the most important and elaborate ventures of nineteenth-century publishing, and... the apotheosis of the tinted lithograph" (Abbey)

This six-volume large folio set of David Roberts' The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia is a stunning example of one of the most ambitious publishing projects of the 19th century, showcasing Roberts’ journey through the Middle East and North Africa in 1838-1839. Bound in handsome contemporary half red leather over green cloth, this tinted lithograph edition preserves Roberts’ original vision, presenting his dramatic and detailed views of ancient sites and landscapes in vibrant, tinted form.

The Holy Land and Egypt and Nubia

David Roberts’ The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia is one of the 19th century's most important travel and topographical works, capturing a range of landscapes, historical sites, and architectural wonders across the Near East and North Africa. This monumental publication was issued in installments between 1842 and 1849, comprising two major parts: The Holy Land series and the Egypt and Nubia volumes. Each work includes lithographs produced from Roberts’ sketches, vividly portraying the ancient sites and bustling scenes he encountered. The project, published by Francis Graham Moon, brought unprecedented views of the region to a European audience fascinated by the "Orient."

In August 1838, Roberts, a prominent Scottish painter, set out on his ambitious journey to document Egypt and the Levant. His travels began in Alexandria, Egypt, where he arrived in September. Over several months, he moved through Cairo, explored the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, and journeyed along the Nile as far south as Abu Simbel, recording detailed sketches of these iconic landmarks. After completing his Egyptian travels, Roberts crossed the Sinai Peninsula, visited Petra, and spent time in Jerusalem and various other locations in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. By April 1839, he returned to London with an extensive portfolio of drawings, covering not only Egypt and Nubia but also the significant sites of the Holy Land.

Upon Roberts' return, he entered into an agreement with Francis Graham Moon, who saw the potential for a grand publication of Roberts’ work. Moon arranged for Louis Haghe, one of Britain’s foremost lithographers, to translate Roberts' intricate sketches into lithographic plates. Haghe’s skillful use of lithography to render architectural details and atmospheric effects added depth to Roberts’ scenes, capturing both the grandeur of the Egyptian temples and the solemnity of sites in Jerusalem and beyond. Haghe's role in creating these tinted lithographs was essential to the visual impact and commercial success of the publication. The lithographs, issued in tinted and hand-colored editions, preserved the subtleties of Roberts’ observations.

The first parts of The Holy Land series were published in 1842, with new plates and accompanying descriptive text issued regularly to subscribers. Egypt and Nubia followed, with the final volumes completed by 1849. Together, the full set contained 247 maps and plates, divided among six volumes. These works were visual records and cultural documents, as Roberts’ text incorporated his observations and reflections on the ancient monuments, bustling bazaars, and religious sites he encountered. His drawings of places like the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and the temples of Abu Simbel offered European audiences a glimpse of locations rarely seen by outsiders.

Roberts’ The Holy Land and Egypt and Nubia were groundbreaking for their artistic merit and their documentary value. By capturing historical and architectural details with precision and drama, Roberts provided a foundation for both archaeological interest and Orientalist art in Britain and beyond. These works shaped Western perceptions of the Middle East and North Africa and cemented Roberts' reputation as a pioneer of travel art. The publication remains celebrated for its aesthetic quality and for its role in popularizing the visual and cultural landscape of the Near East and Egypt.